Administrators' Guide to Building School Arts Programs
Content originally researched, developed, and published in 2018.
Administrative support is crucial for developing strong arts programs in public schools. Administrators don’t always receive training on what is required to build strong arts programs. To remedy this, the BYU ARTS Partnership, together with the professional arts education organization in Utah (UMEA, UAEA, UDEO, and UACTT), has compiled resources to support them.
The “Building Strong Arts Programs in Utah” ebook provides administrators with the necessary tools to establish and maintain robust arts programs, focusing on music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and media arts. The ultimate goal of this ebook is to support administrators and teacher leaders in their desires to integrate the arts as a vital component of students' educational experiences while building skills in creativity, confidence, community, and collaboration.
What’s inside “Building Strong Arts Programs in Utah”
Indicators of Strong Arts Programs
In order to clarify the indicators of strong academic arts programs in schools, the authors of this ebook have included a list of program descriptors for dance, drama, music, and visual arts. While standards-based, student-centered instruction is an indicator for all art forms, each list provides the unique indicators for the respective art form.
Opportunities for Arts Educators Professional Learning
Each of the arts organizations who contributed to this ebook are the primary professional development providers for arts educators in the state of Utah. As such, they present an exhaustive and detailed list of professional learning opportunities that can support the arts educators in your school. Sending your arts educators to conferences and collaboration events, nominating them for awards, and supporting their association with professional organizations is one strategy to strengthen the arts program at your school.
Opportunities to Showcase Student Artists in Utah
Along with professional learning for educators, this ebook details ways students can benefit from field trips, in-school residencies, performances, coaching, and mentoring offered by professional arts organizations in the state. Learn about the benefits, opportunities, and funding requirements for these opportunities in the ebook.
How to Hire Qualified Arts Educators
The arts educators hired to support the programs in your school will have the greatest impact on your program. Each section of the ebook offers a list of questions and considerations for hiring arts educators and can help administrators select the best candidate to strengthen their arts program(s).
Conclusion
Administrators can cultivate vibrant, creative, and collaborative learning spaces that enhance students' educational experiences and personal growth. They can build an arts-rich school by supporting professional learning opportunities for educators, showcasing student artists, and hiring qualified arts educators. Click here for the full ebook.
For more detailed guidance on building an arts-rich school, download the Arts-Rich School Handbook. This resource includes everything from guidance for hiring educators to producing student performances and exhibitions and is an essential tool for any school looking to elevate its arts programs and build a dynamic, creative culture focused on collaboration, deep learning, and community.
